Graduated access multi-password authentication

Abstract

Methods and systems for accessing computer data and systems require different sequential and serial passwords to drive a user into a tiered set of sub-accounts of graduated access. At the same time, the tiered hierarchy of access acts as a honey pot system where remote intruders would statistically tend to break through the slightly less secure passwords first, triggering the notification system upon entry into the restricted or firewalled honey pot or virtual systems. With this system, the system administrator can manage multiple sessions for each user where the passwords are of a different level of security based on commercially available password strength tools. The system administrator creates the less secure passwords and lower access sub-accounts and optionally allows users to have such lower levels.

Description

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST[0001]This invention may be used by or for the US Navy for government purposes without the payment of royalties thereon or therefore.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a graduated access multi-password authentication system and, more particularly, to methods and systems to require different sequential and serial passwords to drive a user into a tiered set of sub-accounts of graduated access. At the same time, the tiered hierarchy of access acts as a honey pot system where remote intruders would statistically tend to break through the slightly less secure passwords first, triggering the notification system upon entry into the restricted or firewalled honey pot or virtual systems.[0003]In current systems, entities seeking unauthorized entry will see the user's data and have their access if they are able to obtain or ‘crack’ the password. A similar system that uses password hints to allow a user entry results in a multiple ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention describes a system for authenticating user accounts in a computer network. The system includes multiple tiers of accounts - full access and untrusted guest - and provides different levels of access privileges and authentication passwords for each level. The full access tiers have stronger passwords than the untrusted guest tiers. The system also allows for the creation of additional intermediate tiers with lower password strengths. The technical effects of this system include improved security and access control for computer networks.

Problems solved by technology

If a user has been compromised and is forced to provide a user ID and password under duress, in current systems, there is no way to provide access to protect the user, while such access does not result in the user's full data and privileges being accessed.

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